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United States Patent |
5,622,294
|
Evans
|
April 22, 1997
|
Golf cart towing belt
Abstract
A golf cart towing device adaptable to the waist of a user that includes a
belt, an adjusting ring, a buckle female portion, a buckle male portion, a
tube, and an elastic strip. The belt has an outer surface, an inner
surface, and first and second distal ends. The adjusting ring has an inner
post and an outer post that defines a slot therebetween throughwhich the
belt passes. The buckle female portion contains a slot through which the
belt first distal end passes. The buckle male portion has a male portion
body that contains an inner slot, an outer slot, and a partition. The belt
second distal end passes through the buckle male portion inner slot,
around the buckle male portion partition, through the buckle male portion
outer slot, around the adjusting ring outer post and is secured
therearound. The tube is horizontally positioned at the belt outer surface
intermediate the belt first distal end and the belt second distal end and
is movable therefrom. The tube removably receives the handle of a golf
cart. And, the elastic strip has a first distal end and a second distal
end. The elastic strip passes freely through the robe with the elastic
strip first distal end and the elastic strip second distal end attached to
the belt outer surface so that the tube which removably receives the
handle of a golf cart prevents a force encountered by the golf cart from
being transmitted to the user.
Inventors:
|
Evans; Robert (Morris Plains, NJ)
|
Assignee:
|
Evans; Robert E. (Morris Plains, NJ)
|
Appl. No.:
|
506355 |
Filed:
|
July 24, 1995 |
Current U.S. Class: |
224/184; 224/251; 224/678; 280/1.5; 280/DIG.6 |
Intern'l Class: |
B62D 051/04; A45F 003/14 |
Field of Search: |
224/184,251,660,678
280/1.5,3,DIG. 6,47.26
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2559981 | Jul., 1951 | McBride | 224/184.
|
3311385 | Mar., 1967 | Frantz | 280/1.
|
3328043 | Jun., 1967 | Johnson | 280/1.
|
3926448 | Dec., 1975 | Reichard | 280/1.
|
4037765 | Jul., 1977 | Slayman | 224/25.
|
5215318 | Jun., 1993 | Capraro | 280/1.
|
5215355 | Jun., 1993 | Klumpjan | 298/6.
|
5244217 | Sep., 1993 | Kotulla | 280/1.
|
5265891 | Nov., 1993 | Diehl | 280/1.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
990271 | Apr., 1965 | GB | 280/DIG.
|
1461930 | Jan., 1977 | GB | 280/1.
|
2227987 | Aug., 1990 | GB | 280/1.
|
Primary Examiner: Recla; Henry J.
Assistant Examiner: Vidovich; Gregory M.
Claims
I claim:
1. A golf cart towing device for towing a hand pulled golf cart having a
handle extending therefrom, said device comprising:
a) a belt adapted to be worn about the waist of a user having a belt outer
surface, a belt inner surface, a belt first distal end, and a belt second
distal end;
b) an adjusting ring having an adjusting ring inner post and an adjusting
ring outer post, said adjusting ring inner post and said adjusting ting
outer post defining an adjusting ting slot therebetween throughwhich said
belt passes so that said belt can be quickly adjusted to accommodate for
different sized waists;
c) a buckle female portion containing a vertically disposed buckle female
portion slot through which said belt first distal end passes;
d) a buckle male portion having a buckle male portion body containing a
buckle male portion inner slot, a buckle male portion outer slot, and a
buckle male portion partition separating said buckle male portion inner
slot from said buckle male portion outer slot, said belt second distal end
passing through said buckle male portion inner slot, around said buckle
male portion partition, through said buckle male portion outer slot,
around said adjusting ring outer post where it is secured therearound;
e) a tube horizontally positioned at said belt outer surface intermediate
said belt first distal end and said belt second distal end and movable
therefrom, said tube removably receiving the handle of a golf cart; and
f) said tube being positioned at said belt outer surface by an elastic
strip having an elastic strip first distal end and an elastic strip second
distal end, said elastic strip passing freely through said robe with said
elastic strip first distal end and said elastic strip second distal end
attached to said belt outer surface so that said tube can move readily
with respect to said belt without imparting a force to said belt, said
elastic strip preventing a force encountered by said golf cart due to the
many variations in terrain encountered by the golf cart during its towing
by said user from being transmitted to the user.
2. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising belt first distal
end securing means for securing said belt first distal end to said belt
inner surface.
3. The device as defined in claim 2, wherein said belt first distal end
securing means includes belt first distal end stitches.
4. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising belt second distal
end securing means for securing said belt second distal end around said
adjusting ring outer post.
5. The device as defined in claim 4, wherein said belt second distal end
securing means includes belt second distal end stitches.
6. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising elastic strip first
distal end securing means for securing said elastic strip first distal end
to said belt outer surface.
7. The device as defined in claim 6, wherein said elastic strip first
distal end securing means includes elastic strip first distal end
stitches.
8. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising elastic strip
second distal end securing means for securing said elastic strip second
distal end to said belt outer surface.
9. The device as defined in claim 8, wherein said elastic strip second
distal end securing means includes elastic strip second distal end
stitches.
10. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said buckle male portion
further has a buckle male portion resilient upper leg, a buckle male
resilient male portion intermediate leg, and a buckle male portion
resilient lower leg that extend from said buckle male portion body.
11. The device as defined in claim 10, wherein said buckle male portion
upper leg has a buckle male portion upper leg distal end with a buckle
male portion upper leg distal end lip that extends upwardly therefrom.
12. The device as defined in claim 11, wherein said buckle male portion
lower leg has a buckle male portion lower leg distal end with a buckle
male portion lower leg distal end lip that extends downwardly therefrom.
13. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said robe is
polyvinyl-chloride.
14. The device as defined in claim 12, wherein said buckle male portion
body, said belt buckle male portion resilient upper leg, said belt buckle
male resilient male portion intermediate leg, said a belt buckle male
portion resilient lower leg, said belt buckle male portion upper leg
distal end lip, and said belt buckle male portion lower leg distal end lip
are integrally formed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Present Invention
The present invention relates to a golf cart towing device. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a golf cart towing device
that includes an adjustable belt latchably adaptable around the waist of a
user, a horizontally positioned tube disposed at the rear of the belt for
removably receiving the handle of a golf cart, and an elastic strap
disposed at the rear of the belt and traversing the tube for elastically
affixing the tube to the rear of the belt.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
Golf is a popular sport, both for the thrill and satisfaction of doing well
at the sport, as well as the exercise that is available to the golfer.
While many golfers ride in electric or gas-powered carts about the course,
thus largely defeating the available exercise, others forego the cart and
choose to either carry their bag of golf clubs, have the golf clubs
carried by a caddy, or tow the golf clubs behind them in a two wheeled
hand pulled golf cart.
Over a golf course having 18 holes of regulation play, a golfer will
typically cover over three miles of walking and thus enjoy a fair amount
of beneficial aerobic exercise.
When pulling a two wheeled golf cart over such long distances, the golfer's
arms can become quite tired from the constant pulling of the can. This
fatigue will affect the level of play after several hours on the come.
Thus, many golfers will forego the two-wheeled can in favor of a motorized
cart so that their arms are not unduly tired by extraneous activity.
Numerous innovations for cart towing devices have been provided in the
prior art that will be described. However, even though these innovations
may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, they differ from the present invention in that they do not teach
a golf cart towing device that includes an adjustable belt latchably
adaptable around the waist of a user, a horizontally positioned tube
disposed at the rear of the belt for removably receiving the handle of a
golf cart, and an elastic strap disposed at the rear of the belt and
traversing the tube for elastically affixing the tube to the rear of the
belt.
For Example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,448 to Reichard teaches a golf cart that
includes a main frame, at least three wheels rotatably mounted to the main
frame, a golf bag holding means movably mounted on the frame, and
connecting means secured to the main frame and adapted to be attached to
hips of a human for pulling the golf cart.
Another examples, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,355 to Klumpjan teaches a wagon bin
is supported above a wheel and axle combination, and a tongue extends
outwardly from the axle. A universal joint is provided on the outer end of
the tongue. A harness is attached to the universal joint.
Still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,217 to Kotulla teaches a golf
cart pulling device that includes a strap detachably mounted to the handle
of a golf cart. A large hoop is formed in the strap extending essentially
from the handle of the golf cart over the shoulder of a person pulling the
cart,
Yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,765 to Slayman teaches a golf club
carrier that includes a rigid aluminum frame that is suspended from the
shoulders to support cross members to which golf clubs are releasably
attached.
Finally, still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,891 to Diehl
teaches a frame that mounts a coach member thereon and includes spring
means, first and second harness tubes, and a torso harness worn by an
individual transporting the carriage structure.
It is apparent that numerous innovations for can towing devices have been
provided in the prior an that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even
though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual
purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the
purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According, an object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart
towing device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart towing
device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart
towing device that is simple to use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart
towing device that helps a user pull his golf cart with his body instead
of his arms.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart
towing device that reduces stress on the user's shoulders and arms.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart
towing device that makes a round of golf more enjoyable and comfortable.
The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together
with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood
from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and
understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf cart towing device of the present
invention being worn around the waist of a user and towing a golf cart;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf cart towing device of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf cart towing device of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the golf cart towing device of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the tube taken along line 5--5 in FIG.
3; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the handle of a golf cart being
removably insertably mounted to the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING
10-golf cart towing device
12-waist
14-user
16-handle
18-golf cart
20-belt
20A-belt outer surface
20B-belt inner surface
20C-belt first distal end
20D-belt second distal end
20DA-belt second distal end stitches
22-buckle female portion
22A-buckle female portion vertically disposed slot
22B-belt first distal end stitches
24-buckle male portion
24A-buckle male portion inner slot
24B-buckle male portion outer slot
24C-buckle male portion partition
24D-buckle male portion resilient upper leg
24DA-buckle male portion upper leg distal end
24DAA-buckle male portion upper leg distal end lip
24E-buckle male resilient male portion intermediate leg
24F-buckle male portion resilient lower leg
24FA-buckle male portion lower leg distal end
24FAA-buckle male portion lower leg distal end lip
26-elastic strip
26A-elastic strip first distal end
26AA-elastic strip first distal end stitches
26B-elastic strip second distal end
26BA-elastic belt elastic strip second distal end stitches
28-tube
30-adjusting ring
30A-adjusting ring inner post
30B-adjusting ring outer post
30C-adjusting ting slot
32-resilient insert
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts,
and particularly to FIG. 1, the golf cart towing device of the present
invention is shown generally at 10, worn around the waist 12 of a user 14,
and receiving the handle 16 of a golf cart 18 being towed by the user 14.
The configuration of the golf cart towing device 10 can best be seen in
FIGS. 2 through 6, and as such will be discussed with reference thereto.
The golf cart towing device 10 includes a belt 20, a buckle female portion
22, a buckle male portion 24, an elastic strip 26, a tube 28, an adjusting
ring 30, and a resilient insert 32.
The belt 20 has a belt outer surface 20A, a belt inner surface 20B, a belt
first distal end 20C, and a belt second distal end 20D.
The adjusting ring 30 allows for the quick adjustment of the belt 20 to
accommodate for different sized waists. The adjusting ring 30 is
substantially rectangular in shape and has an adjusting ring inner post
30A and an adjusting ring outer post 30B. The adjusting ring inner post
30A and the adjusting ring outer post 30B define an adjusting ting slot
30C contained therebetween.
The buckle female portion 22 contains a vertically disposed slot 22A
through which the belt first distal end 20C passes and is secured to the
belt inner surface 20B by belt buckle second distal end stitches 22B.
The buckle male portion 24 contains a buckle male portion inner slot 24A, a
buckle male portion outer slot 24B, and a buckle male portion partition
24C separating the buckle male portion inner slot 24A from the buckle male
portion outer slot 24B. The belt second distal end 20D passes through the
buckle male portion inner slot 24A, around the buckle male portion
partition 24C, and back through the buckle male portion outer slot 24B.
The belt second distal end 20D then passes around the adjusting ring outer
post 30B and is secured thereto by belt second distal end stitches 20DA.
Extending outwardly from the belt buckle male portion 24 and formed as an
integral part therewith is a buckle male portion resilient upper leg 24D,
a buckle male portion resilient intermediate leg 24E, and a buckle male
portion resilient lower leg 24F.
The buckle male portion resilient upper leg 24D has a buckle male portion
upper leg distal end 24DA with a buckle male portion upper leg distal end
lip 24DAA extending upwardly therefrom. The buckle male portion resilient
lower leg 24F has a belt buckle male portion lower leg distal end 24FA
with a belt buckle male portion lower leg distal end lip 24FAA extending
downwardly therefrom.
Upon securing the belt 20 around the waist of the user 14, the buckle male
portion resilient upper leg 24D, the buckle male male portion resilient
intermediate leg 24E, and the buckle male portion resilient lower leg 24F
are inserted into the buckle female portion 22 where by virtue of the
resiliency of the buckle male portion resilient upper leg 24D and the
buckle male portion resilient lower leg 24F, they will initially displace
towards each other. Once the buckle male portion resilient upper leg 24D,
the buckle male resilient intermediate leg 24E, and the buckle male
portion resilient lower leg 24F are completely inserted in the buckle
female portion 22, the buckle male portion resilient upper leg 24D and the
belt buckle male portion resilient lower leg 24F will displace away from
each other with the belt buckle male portion upper leg distal end lip
24DAA and the belt buckle male portion lower leg distal end lip 24FAA
securing it therein.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the resilient insert 32 is positioned internal to
the tube 28 and by compression allows for the removable securing of the
handle 16 of the golf cart 18 within the tube 28 while also protecting the
handle 16 from damage.
The tube 28 is made from poly-vinyl chloride. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the
tube 28 is horizontally positioned at the belt outer surface 20A by an
elastic strip 26 which includes an elastic strip first distal end 26A and
an elastic strip second distal end 26B. The elastic strip 26 passes freely
through the tube 28 which the elastic strip first distal end 26A and the
elastic strip second distal end 26B attached to the belt outer surface 20A
by securing means comprising elastic strip first distal end stitches 26AA
and elastic strip second distal end stitches 26BA, rspectively, such that
the tube 28 is located intermediate the elastic strip first distal end 26A
and the elastic strip second distal end 26B so that the tube 28, which
removably recieves the handle 16 of the golf cart 18 therein, can move
readily with rspect to the belt 20. The elastic strip 26 helps to prevent
a force encountered by the golf cart 18 due to the many variations in
terrain encountered by the golf cart 18 during its towing by the user 14
from being transmitted to the user 14.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or
more together, may also find a useful application in other types of
constructions differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a
golf cart towing device, it is not limited to the details shown, since it
will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions
and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its
operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any
way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of
the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that,
from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the
generic or specific aspects of this invention.
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